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CAA SCO launches Heads Up! Campaign

Increased safety for all road users the focus of CAA's latest campaign

THORNHILL, ON, July 27, 2015 /CNW/ - New road rules are coming to the province of Ontario this fall. That's why CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) is launching its Heads Up! campaign with the help of the Ministry of Transportation, Ontario Provincial Police, York Regional Police and the Toronto Police Service.

The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness and educate drivers about the new laws and regulations following the passing of the Making Ontario's Roads Safer Act.

The new rules will include higher fines and demerit points for distracted drivers, changes to the Slow Down, Move Over law to include tow trucks and requirements for drivers to keep a distance of one-metre when passing cyclists, where practicable.

"As a tireless advocate for road users, CAA is pleased to see significant changes to address distracted driving, improve cycling in our province and provide enhanced safety measures for tow truck operators servicing motorists on Ontario's roads. The Making Ontario's Roads Safer Act benefits all road users by increasing safety measures regardless of your mode of transportation," said Teresa Di Felice, Director of Government and Community Relations and Driver Training, CAA SCO.

"Everyone deserves a safe place to work. Extending slow down, move over protection, an effort that CAA has been advocating for since 2010, will improve safety for both tow truck operators and motorists who are stranded," added Di Felice.

"Ontario is a world leader in road safety and the new measures targeting distracted driving, cyclists and tow truck operator safety will help keep everyone on the road safe. Public education is key to tackling persistent, unsafe driver behaviour and I look forward to continuing to raise awareness with the CAA, police and our other valuable road safety partners," said Steven Del Duca, Minister of Transportation.

How Ontario's road rules are changing:

Under the new law, distracted driving penalties will increase to between $300 and $1,000, along with three demerit points if convicted. Novice drivers under the graduated licensing system will also face an immediate 30-day suspension on their first offence.

Ontario joins five Canadian provinces and nearly every state in the United States that require motorists to slow down, move over upon approaching tow trucks assisting other vehicles.

Changes to cycling legislation will see the fine for a "dooring" conviction increase to between $300 and $1,000, along with three demerit points. And a new requirement for all drivers is to keep a distance of one-metre when passing cyclists.

For over a hundred years, CAA has been helping Canadians stay mobile, safe and protected. CAA South Central Ontariois one of nine auto clubs across Canada providing roadside assistance, travel, insurance services and member savings for our 2 million members.